, QUESTION 1 [25 marks] Read the following scenario and then answer the
questions that follow. Godfrey Makobane is the plant manager of a light
assembly plant in Cape Town. Approximately a year ago, Melvin Alers, the
plant manager from a similar facility in Gauteng, visited the Cape Town plant.
During the visit, the two managers compared various metrics, including
absenteeism and turnover rates. Melvin's plant reported an average
absenteeism and turnover rate of 5% each. In contrast, Godfrey discovered
that his Cape Town plant had much higher rates: 10% absenteeism and 12%
turnover. Concerned about these discrepancies, Godfrey met with his HR
manager, Ms Amusa, and his two supervisors to address the issue. During the
meeting, Nomvuyo Bekwa, one of the supervisors, suggested that there might
be a connection between job satisfaction and the high rates of absenteeism
and turnover at the Cape Town plant. A consultant was hired to investigate
further, and a job satisfaction survey was administered to the Cape Town
employees. The results of the survey were summarised as follows: Job
Satisfaction category Percentage (%) of satisfied employees (Happy)
Percentage (%) of dissatisfied employees (unhappy) The job itself 40% 60%
Relationships with co-workers 49% 51% Immediate supervisor 45% 55%
Career development/promotions 37% 63% Compensation and benefits 20%
80% The work environment 35% 65% Godfrey was surprised by the low levels
of job satisfaction reflected in the survey results, which were far below what
he had anticipated for the plant's first assessment of employee satisfaction.
1.1 As the consultant who administered the job satisfaction survey, interpret
the findings in the table and provide Godfrey with detailed feedback. In your
response: 1.1.1 Discuss each job satisfaction category, explaining possible
reasons for the dissatisfaction indicated in the survey results. (6) HRM2605:
Assessment 06 Semester 02 (2024) 8 © UNISA 2024 1.1.2 Conclude your
feedback by summarising the four categories with the highest levels of
dissatisfaction among employees. (4) 1.2 From a line manager’s perspective,
suggest possible solutions to improve employees’ job satisfaction and morale
and reduce employee turnover and absenteeism. In your answer, identify [5
marks] and discuss [5 marks] five HR functions or processes that must be
implemented or enhanced to address the identified issues and improve job
satisfaction. (10) 1.3 What are the potential consequences for the Cape Town
branch if Godfrey does not address the challenges and fails to improve
employees’ job satisfaction? (5)
